As a cook and investor I find myself wondering:
when people who eat lots of junky food start on GLP-1 or related drugs, do they tend to cut back on all food, or primarily the junk that makes up most of the USAian diet?
It would be wonderful if their taste buds could go to re-education camp.
d fb
You’re not the first to wonder. This is a question that food companies have been fielding from investors for the last year:
Anecdotally, from the several people I know taking these drugs, it tends to be a reduction in quantity of food rather than type of food (unfortunately).
Pete
I was taking Trulicity (not a GLP-1) for years–no change in appetite or anything food related. During early Summer 2024, Trulicity went into major shortage and was projected to be in shortage through the end of the year. So my doctor did some digging and Ozempic (GLP-1) was available, so that is what was prescribed. Minimum dose (1mg/wk) and I eventually realized how it worked. Overall, the drug makes you feel full(er)–or not desiring more/something to eat–even when your previous schedule did. I have been taking Ozempic for almost five months now, and what I want–and when–has changed a little (not a lot). I am still within my historically tight weight range (which was 5-lbs up-or-down an established figure). I expect taking a higher dose could induce weight loss by further suppressing (possible?) the desire/feeling to eat something (or eat more).
jerryab2, thanks.
I am mildly curious as a matter of science, but I am profoundly curious as a cook. I often plan and manage big events where I am feeding 100 - 250 people, and as these drugs roll out I want to be ready.
d fb
I found that Wellbutrin has decreased my desire for junk food, and alcohol. I doesn’t eliminate it, but it decreases the urge.
I am guessing the reason it does has something to do with how Wellbutrin disregulates the dopamine system. After listening to a couple of podcasts on the dopamine system and its function in addiction. (Note: Wellbutrin is used as an anti depressant and an anti addiction drug) My guess is a combo therapy of Wellbutrin and Ozempic would be very powerful for changing lifestyles and losing weight.
While I take Wellbutrin for depression, I have almost quit drinking entirely. In addition to the fact that my Shrink told my wife I had to stop, the Wellbutrin has just made it not fun. Just meh.
Cheers
Qazulight (Sometimes I think I would like a shot of Makersmark, .then I think too much trouble)
Since February I am down from 217 lbs to 204 lbs.
That is a secure 6% of my weight after 8 months.
If by this time next year if I lose 20 lbs I will be 184.
The cost is zero dollars. The safety profile is excellent. The health benefits incredible, life saving.
I do eat some junk. So do you even if you are thin. My bloodwork was excellent at 217 lbs.
What I discovered (without drugs) that it’s not eating too much as much as eating too often, nibbling all the time. Initially I did lose weight (a lot) by eating a better diet and my weight plateaued a few pounds above 70 Kgs. Once I started walking more strenuously in Porto the hunger pangs disappeared and i ate just twice a day. It’s called ‘intermittent fasting.’ Doing some research it was suggested that when we exercise the body does not have enough resources to also digest food so it surpasses the hunger pangs and feeds off the fat instead of the glucose in food. My weight has been creeping down below 70 Kgs.
The Captain
Don’t worry about it–unless you are feeding a weight-loss group. Otherwise, make stuff as usual (volume and taste/quality).